Monrovia – The chamber of the House of Representatives, located in the annex of the Capitol Building, has been tampered with, and its lighting system disconnected, plunging all offices, including that of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, into darkness.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The incident occurred under the watchful eyes of the Liberia National Police, raising concerns about the security of the Legislature during an ongoing leadership crisis.
The affected chamber has been the primary venue for House of Representatives sessions since 2018, serving the 54th and 55th Legislatures until October 17, 2024. On that date, a group of lawmakers under the banner “Majority Bloc” abandoned the annex chamber and began holding sessions in the joint chamber of the Legislature, citing a leadership dispute.
Since then, lawmakers loyal to Speaker Koffa have continued to meet in the annex chamber. However, due to a lack of quorum, they have been unable to hold formal sessions.
Speaker Koffa Unfazed by Latest Incident at Capitol
Despite the recent tampering with the House of Representatives’ chamber locks and a blackout affecting his office, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa remains undeterred.
A staffer speaking to FrontPage Africa disclosed that the Speaker arrived at his office only to find it in complete darkness. “There is no electricity in his office or the chamber at this time,” the staffer said.
“The chamber’s locks were changed, and there is no light in the chamber either. All of this happened under the watchful eyes of security,” the staffer added.
Despite these disruptions, Speaker Koffa has maintained his composure, signaling his determination to continue his legislative duties amidst the ongoing tensions at the Capitol.
Tensions Escalate
The tampering with the chamber door and the blackout come just one day after a fire gutted the joint chamber of the Legislature, the venue used by the Majority Bloc for their sessions.
It is yet to be established who is responsible for the tampering and disconnection, but the incidents are the latest in a series of events underscoring the deep divisions within the House of Representatives.
The leadership crisis has created a standoff between the Pro-Koffa group and the Majority Bloc, with each faction claiming legitimacy. The situation has disrupted legislative activities and raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures at the Capitol Building.
Calls for Accountability
The incidents have sparked outrage and calls for an independent investigation to determine the cause of the fire in the joint chamber and identify those responsible for tampering with the annex chamber.
Lawmakers and political observers have warned that the escalating tensions could further undermine the credibility and functioning of the Legislature, urging swift action to restore order and resolve the leadership dispute.
As of now, neither the Liberia National Police nor legislative authorities have issued an official statement on the matter. The public awaits further clarification on these developments, which continue to fuel uncertainty around the operations of the House of Representatives.
